What's in a Name?

As I've often mentioned, Asia is full of interesting takes on English, and today I shall discuss cars.  The well-known brands, Kia and Hyundai do a pretty good job giving poetic names to the models of their cars: Sonata, Chairman, Rio, Santa Fe.  But I ran across some lesser-known models that they don't sell in the States.

My new favorite: I think it's made by Hyundai... the Korando "Mantosser."  A very appropriate name for a car in this culture, since the vehicle-pedestrian relationship is based solely on who is bigger on the road--and you know who that is.  If I could only get behind the wheel!

Another good one I saw yesterday: A van known as  the Cool Saloon.  Who would not want to hang out in that thing?

At about $7.00/gallon here, who wants to be idling in traffic?  That is why I love Korea's public transit system!

Our Favorite Vehicle

Well, we've talked a lot about this scooter (sometimes known as the Beast), but it is definitely one of the "funnest" things we've enjoyed here.  We're planning on getting one when we come back to the USA, especially with all we've been hearing about the price of gas.

See how tough he looks?  And notice, the fake bullet hole on the side of the scooter.  I ask you, what could make you feel more like a man?  (I really have no idea, since a man isn't writing this...)

The Beginnings of Fall

At last!  The cool weather and beautiful colors of fall are beginning to appear.  We enjoyed a perfect hike today and can sense in every way that fall is fast approaching.  I finally need a light coat!

Here's Michael, handsome as ever!

And me, posing for the REI or L.L. Bean catalogues.

Self portrait--not bad!

Acorns are dropping from the trees all around us, and the squirrels are having a hey-day.

Grammar Queen Rules

Over the years, I have often been the target of gentle ridicule regarding my attention to Proper English Grammar.  Although those arrows stung a bit at times, I held my ground, even when I did not fully understand my own reasons for such steadfastness.  Perhaps it is because most Americans only speak one language fluently (English) and also because perhaps we take it for granted that it will always be there for us.  I caution you, English will always be there (unless we all have to learn Chinese someday instead), but it might not be there in a form that can be communicated.

Case in point: The Poorly Translated Korean Message Shirt

I cannot get enough of these.  Poor Korean women probably think I am fascinated by their chests, but what really peaks my fascination is the abysmal English they advertise all over themselves.  I could not resist buying a shirt for the following message it sported:

*Hello!!!Mouse*

in your carears

you will meat

many people.

All are signillcant

They desaeve you allantion

(half image of Mickey Mouse at bottom)

An "A" in code-breaking if you can figure out what this message truly means.  I have my guesses.

That's all for now.  But may you gain new appreciation in the future for some of the English language's more proficient writers.  ;-)

A Changing of Seasons

Michael and I hit an important mental milestone last week--halfway through our year in Korea!  It may sound like we are counting, but we are!  But halfway seems to be a rallying point for me, an "I can do it" point in time.  Thus, every month is a re-invigorated countdown, and we're excited to finish our contracts here and come home to family and country.

Another great thing about this time of the year is the relief from the hot weather.  July and August brought hot, humid days and nights that began early in the morning and brought little relief at night.  Finally, the breeze is cool and the nights are, too.  It makes such a big difference in daily life!

So, things continue here in constant change and Korean chaos, but the great thing is, we'll see you in 5 1/2 months!

Here's a photo I took that I'm a little proud of...

More China

I have been a bit remiss in posting photos from our trip.  It's taken awhile to sort through the really good ones, as I want to bring you only the best. :-)  Enjoy the 2nd installment of the wonderful trip we took!

We took a stroll through the rural countryside.  This is a little village about 5 minutes out from our hotel.  To reiterate the heat factor--it is barely 8:00 a.m. and Michael has his shirt off.

A lady on her way to market.  We saw many people carrying loads in this fashion, and I couldn't resist a photo of such a lovely moment.

Another farming village.  Rice paddies ready for harvest are visible in the foreground.

A fishing raft.  The guy who used this was spear fishing, so he'd motor out to the middle of the river, put on his snorkel gear and catch a few fish.  He and his friends were grilling them on the beach a few feet away from us.

Yangshuo marketplace

Bamboo rafts floating/motoring down the Li River.  We rode a smaller version of these twice.  Cost was about $7 for a 40 minute ride.  Just lovely!

A raft captain.

The foreigner-focused part of the Yangshuo market

Sunset from our hotel...

Yangshou, China--at last!

Ta-daaa!  Here are SOME of the pictures we took while in Yangshou.  It was very difficult to resist taking pictures of the mountains, so I didn't, and there are lots and lots of shots of the scenery.  I'll try to explain as we go along.  So, without further adieu, here is Day #1 of our trip to Yangshou, China.

We were able to rent bikes for just under $3 a day, so the first day we were feeling vigorous and enthusiastic, despite the intense heat, and we rented bikes and took off to see the countryside.  We found ourselves following the bikes to a park called Moon Hill, which is quite famous in the area.  You'll see a picture of it below.  We hiked it (mid-day), but the views from the top were definitely worth it.
As I mentioned, it was very hot.  You cannot quite appreciate in this picture that my shirt was wet with the sweat that constantly dripped off my body at all times of the day.  My face is quite red, too.

Here is Moon Hill.  We took a rest under the dome in the middle and then proceeded to the top.
At last, the bottom!  And thinking about cool rivers to swim, cold water to drink, a cold shower...  I should mention the water ladies.  The touristy areas were full of farm ladies, and Moon Hill was no exception.  They take with them coolers of cold water and juice and follow the hikers around asking them to buy cold water.  They follow you up the mountain at a distance of about 3-5 feet and then hang out with you at the top.  It is 5 yuan at the bottom of the hill for a bottle of water, and as we found out, 10 yuan at the top.  They look sweet, but they will try to swindle you at every turn!

After a refreshing swim in the Li River, we enjoyed sitting on our hotel terrace, enjoying the last light of the day.  The stars later were also pretty incredible, as we never get to see them in Seoul because of light and air pollution.
And because blogger loads all pictures backwards, here is the sunrise and view from our hotel balcony.  I was so excited to wake up and see this view every morning.

We are awaiting our breakfast.  It was so wonderful to eat all meals outside (except when we were inside, cowering from the heat, but that was only a few occasions).  Our room was directly behind us and up on the second floor.

This is only phase #1 of photos.  Don't despair, there are many more.    We absolutely loved this trip.  We found the locals to be friendly and helpful, the scenery was lovely, and the whole trip was fun and restful.  It's hard to ask for better.